CHIROPRACTIC MYTHS

- Chiropractors crack your bones.
Reality: Some chiropractic techniques involve an adjustment, or manipulation, of the spine or extremity JOINTS (the point of connection between two bones). A chiropractic adjustment is the focused mobilization of a target joint in the body which affects the joint's position and movement. The audible sound sometimes heard during the procedure is created by the opening of the joint space. A chiropractic adjustment does not affect the bones on either side of a joint, it affects the connective tissue that holds the joint together. Sometimes there is no better way to mobilize deep the connective tissue within a joint structure other than to make an adjustment. Not all chiropractic techniques require a manipulation, and a patient's treatment plan may also include physiotherapy, soft tissue work, exercise - stretch and ergonomic advice, and nutritional - dietary counseling.

- Once you start you have to keep going forever.
Reality: If you are being treated for a specific problem, the treatment plan should end when the problem is resolved. If your problem is chronic or recurrent, or you wish to avoid future problems, you may benefit from periodic care to stay ahead of accumulative strain and acute flare-ups. Dental care is often used in this way. Bottom line is it's your choice.

CHIROPRACTIC FACTS

- Chiropractic was founded in 1895 by Daniel D. Palmer as an alternative health care discipline to medical practice. The word "chiropractic" is derived from Greek, meaning "done by hand."

- Chiropractic today is the third largest primary health care profession in the western world next to medicine and dentistry.

- Chiropractic education consists of a minimum of two years of university study in pre-med sciences, followed by four years of full time chiropractic school. Chiropractic colleges are recognized and accredited by the U.S. Council on Chiropractic Education (C.C.E.). The curriculum is similar to that of medical school, except in chiropractic the emphasis is placed on the structural and functional analysis of the spine/extremities and corrective adjusting techniques, while in medicine the emphasis is placed on the analysis of body chemistry and pharmaceutical interventions.

- Chiropractic has always presented itself as a natural and conservative source of health care, offering an alternative in some cases to the medical domain of prescribing medication and performing operations. Accordingly, chiropractors make no use of drugs or surgery.

- Chiropractic's central interest is the relationship between impaired position/movement of spinal vertebrae and the nerve system, and the effect of this on health. In fact, the normal movement and position of all bones/joints and the appropriate tone and texture of all the connective tissues in the body directly affect well-being and performance.

- Chiropractic utilizes a "hands on" active approach. The principle treatment is adjustment/ manipulation of the spine and supportive soft-tissue techniques. There is a focus on lifestyle counseling, prevention, and patient responsibility for health (for example, in the areas of posture, diet, exercise, stress-reduction, etc.).

- Chiropractic care is safe. The risk of serious injury following chiropractic treatment is considered remote - less than 0.01% according to medical studies. This compares with a much higher risk for invasive procedures involving injections, medications, and surgeries that, in most cases, should only be attempted after multiple forms of conservative care have failed.  

- Chiropractic care has been known to help many people suffering from a wide variety of nerve/muscle/joint-related conditions. If the chiropractor examines a person and finds joint dysfunction, nerve irritability and/or connective tissue abnormalities related to the problem area, it is likely that chiropractic care will help.

- Chiropractic patients come in all shapes, sizes and ages. Using the appropriate techniques, conditioned athletes as well as weekend athletes, sedentary office workers as well as manual laborers, old and young alike may be helped.

- The benefits of chiropractic you can look forward to are many: effective pain relief, restored freedom of movement, correction of the underlying problem, return to work and recreational activities, enhanced athletic performance, prevention of spinal decay, and improved overall health.